Comparative advantage of Nile BDC (Group Work)

Edit 0 2 …

Comparative advantages of Nile BDC:


● Research associated with outputs; development with outcomes
● Discussion framed by the question “should we disband the Ns?”
● What advantages does NBDC have over other projects?

Advantages:
  1. Information + lessons flow between people + organizations with different skills + vertically between IP actors
  2. Water ties complex socio-ecological elements at landscape. Requires multiple skill sets to examine all possible outcomes/alternatives
  3. Individual baselines N2…. N4 solidified. Time right to build inter-project linkages
  4. Institutionally viewed as objective compromised by drawing agenda + process and trust. Honest broker
  5. Building non-traditional partnerships and buy in
  6. Part of a bigger picture – other 5 BDC’s (3 African) learn + share (what mechanisms can we utilize/build on
  7. Small player among bigger players – more action
  8. Working at multiple scales
  9. Depth in understanding through thematic areas
  10. Focus on impact + collective learning (yet to be achieved)
  11. Quantification to provide evidence for policy development
  12. Integrated solutions for sustainable development


Challenges (weaknesses)
  1. Are we objective – who judges?
  2. Lack of delay interventions
  3. Model of innovation process learning from our R& D model (innovation research – institutional histories)
  4. Parallel operation of components N2 …. N4 ideally staggered (built on phase I) (protocol from Volta)
  5. Limited lifespan of project in which to intervene + see impact
  6. Links to government + NGO initiatives
  7. Site selection
  8. Learning + adopting greater role of IP than anticipated (Review + check)
  9. Unforeseen delays
  10. Differing shared vision between N5
  11. Better communication
  12. Linkages between IP’s
  13. Outputs focused on research need more for land managers policy
  14. Reality what can be achieved in terms of interventions given time + resources available (someone too ambitious)
  15. Logistical issues – finances to partners slows process, activities and outcomes
  16. Gender not visible although being covered (e.g. website + surveys)in N2
  17. International dimension?
  18. Site management
  19. Need to build local capacity to permit continuation post project – exit strategy?
  20. Is ILRI/IWMI dominance +ve or -ve?